News Story: Computer system for Hawkei vehicles tested

by Richard Tomkins

A C4I integral Computing System for the Australian Army's Hawkei vehicle has been tested by the government's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Australian Ministry of Defense announced on Monday.

The CASG Land 121 Phase 4 project team conducted the tests at the Monegeetta Proving Ground and signed a project charter for the system with nine companies involved in the system.

CASG identified the companies as Thales Australia, Cablex, Elbit Land Systems Australia, Esterline, Harris Australia, Kongsberg, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, and Thomas Global Systems.

"Using generic vehicle architecture and a central computing concept to host various C4I systems and communications, the ICS will optimize and centralize the flow of information to the user, enabling rapid decision making and multi-tasking at levels not previously achievable on land based platforms," said Land 121 Phase 4 Project Director Col. John McLean said in a press release.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

News Story: Rockwell Collins, Australian air force test WBHF communication system

by Ryan Maass

The Australian air force and Rockwell Collins completed a wideband high frequency communications demonstration between a ground station and a C-17 aircraft.

The test marked the first time WBHF data was exchanged between the airlifter and a ground station. Operators were able to transmit several forms of information, including real-time chat, streaming video, digital voice audio and file transfers.

Australian defense officials say the event marked a step forward for Plan Jericho, a program that aims to upgrade the air force's communication capabilities.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

Industry: Northrop Grumman Australia Welcomes the Awarding of F-35 MRO&U Work to Australian Defence Industry

CANBERRA, Australia, Nov. 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Australia, a fully owned Australian subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), welcomes the announcement of the assignment of a significant amount of maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) work for the multinational F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program to the Australian defence industry.

Under this assignment announcement, Northrop Grumman Australia and fellow team members, BAE Systems Australia, Rockwell Collins Australia, GE Aviation Systems Australia and Quickstep will provide the capabilities that underpin six of the 10 MRO&U Repair Technology Categories (RTC). These categories were assigned to Australian industry by the U.S. JSF Program Office (JPO) for the sustainment of F-35 Lightning IIs based in the Asia/Pacific region, including the 72 F-35As on order for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Industry: Rockwell Collins selected to provide SATCOM system to the New Zealand Defence Force

Company selected for a second time as part of Strategic Bearer Network Phase 1

ADELAIDE, Australia (Sept. 6, 2016) -Rockwell Collins has been awarded a second contract for a Deployable Ku-Band Earth Terminal (DKET) SATCOM system by the New Zealand Defence Force as part of the Strategic Bearer Network Phase 1 program. This contract follows an initial award in June 2013 for one DKET dual-antenna, deployable ground station. 

“Integrating the complex communications systems for the New Zealand Defence Force ensures they can deliver the right information at the right time,” said James Walker, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins. 

Industry: Rockwell Collins to showcase technologies to combat current and future battlespace threats at Land Forces Australia 2016

Enhancing soldier survivability and effectiveness through improved situational awareness

ADELAIDE, Australia (Sept. 2, 2016) - At Land Forces 2016, Rockwell Collins will highlight a wide range of solutions that protect defence forces against ever-changing battlespace threats to include precision targeting, networked communications, perimeter security systems and live virtual constructive training.

“Building upon past program experience, we’re introducing new products and capabilities that enhance situational awareness for our defence forces so they are more than prepared in any situation,” said Jim Walker, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins. “This, combined with our team’s demonstrated ability to listen to customers, ascertain specific requirements and deliver tailored solutions urgently and affordably, is what enables us to build trust with our customers every day.”

Industry: Rockwell Collins expands India operations

New Bangalore facility expansion will eventually add 100 employees

NEW DELHI (Nov. 19, 2015) - Rockwell Collins has opened a new, expanded facility in Bangalore, India, that bolsters the company’s presence in the country.

“The opening is a reflection of our commitment to India, as well as the increasing demand for services from our India Design Center (IDC) in Hyderabad,” said Sunil Raina, managing director of Rockwell Collins India. “We chose Bangalore because of the high concentration of engineering talent there and the fact that it is an aerospace hub.”

Rockwell Collins announced it has signed a 15-year lease for the Bangalore building, which will initially house 30 employees. The company expects that number to reach 100 in just one year of operation.

The opening marks the continued expansion in India for Rockwell Collins as its growing economy and aerospace industry continues to present new opportunities for the company.

Think Tank: Sea, air and land updates (20-10-2015)

Alice Slevison and Mercedes Page

Sea State

On Saturday, naval warships, aircraft carriers and submarines from the US, India and Japan streamed into the Bay of Bengal as part of the Malabar exercises. A joint press release from the three countries claimed that Malabar-15 would be ‘another significant step in strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as well as sharing best practices between the Indian, Japanese and US navies.’ This year is the first year that Japan will participate as a permanent member of the Malabar exercises, having partaken as a foreign invitee in previous years.

Canada’s navy is in talks with its Spanish counterpart to deploy a Spanish replenishment ship with the Canadian fleet in the North Atlantic. Spain’s Cantabria AOR (which previously saw service in support of the RAN) has been identified by the Ottawa Post as the ship that the Royal Canadian Navy is interested in leasing. The ship is set to be deployed in 2016, and according to the Spanish Navy, it would ‘cover the Canadian navy’s temporary need of logistic support vessels’.

It’s been a busy weekend for the Chinese government as they’ve sought to use the Xiangshan Regional Defense Forum hosted in Beijing as an opportunity to downplay US fears regarding its building of artificial island in its surrounding seas. Speaking at the Forum, Fan Changolong, vice-chair of China’s Central Military Commission, said that China would ‘never recklessly resort to the use of force, even on issues bearing on sovereignty’. The Xiangshan Forum is a security dialogue China has recently upgraded as part of its efforts to increase China’s global defence influence.

News Story: USAF - Expanded Risk of Neck Damage to F-35 Pilots

By Aaron Mehta

WASHINGTON — Weeks after Defense News revealed that the military services has restricted lightweight pilots from flying the F-35 joint strike fighter, the US Air Force officially acknowledged an increased risk of neck damage during ejection to middleweight pilots as well.

In a news release issued Oct. 16, the Air Force confirmed a Defense News report that pilots who weigh less than 136 pounds are currently barred from flying the fifth-generation aircraft, expected to be the backbone of American airpower for decades to come. It also acknowledged an "elevated level of risk" for pilots between 136 and 165 pounds.

"While the probability of an ejection in this slow speed regime remains very low, estimated at one in 100,000 flight hours, the risk of a critical injury in that circumstance is currently higher than legacy fighter ejection seats," the service warned.

The seat is supposed to be certified for pilots weighing between 103 and 245 pounds.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Industry: Rockwell Collins to provide Joint Fires Observer/Joint Terminal Attack Controller simulator to Australian Army

GEELONG, Australia (Feb. 24, 2015) - Rockwell Collins will provide the Australian Army with the latest generation Joint Fires Observer (JFO)/Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) simulator that is designed to meet all of the service’s training requirements now and into the foreseeable future.

“This award demonstrates that Rockwell Collins is an end-to-end simulation and training provider who can meet the unique requirements of training JFOs and JTACs,” said Nicholas Gibbs, managing director of Rockwell Collins Australia. “We look forward to working with the Australian Army to provide this vital training capability to their soldiers.”

This system, part of the RealFires™ family of JFO and JTAC simulators, will be located at the School of Artillery and is fully integrated with the Rockwell Collins FireStorm™ Integrated Targeting System. The Rockwell Collins FireStorm system forms the core of the Land 17 Phase 1B Digital Terminal Control System (DTCS). The RealFires™ system is a fully scalable solution that can be delivered as a range of training solutions, from desktop to full 360-degree immersive domes.

The JFO/JTAC simulator delivered to the School of Artillery includes training room facilities, a 270-degree dome, high fidelity graphics and full simulation of FireStorm sensors.

Rockwell Collins

Industry: Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins Launch into India’s Military Flight Simulation Market Segment

>> Zen Technologies teams with Rockwell Collins to serve the burgeoning need of the military flight simulation market in India

>> First jointly developed helicopter simulator unveiled at Zen Technologies Exhibit, Hall C, Stall No. 2.7

BANGALORE (Feb. 19, 2015) - Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins today announced their decision to join forces in military flight simulation by unveiling a next generation rotary wing simulator at Aero India 2015. The two industry leaders recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine their strengths in simulation and training to offer advanced and high fidelity aviation solutions.

The strategic alliance between Zen Technologies and Rockwell Collins will produce top shelf solutions while also ensuring cost benefits for customers across the region since the alliance’s capabilities are indigenized, including in software, electronics and visuals. With the rotary wing platform launch, both companies aim to emerge, in the near future, as key partners to the Indian armed forces.

Industry: Rockwell Collins celebrates expansion of Sydney facility

F-35 Lightning II optical assemblies to be manufactured at plant

SYDNEY, Australia (Feb. 20, 2015) - The Honourable Anthony Roberts MP, representing the Premier of New South Wales and Consul General Hugo Llorens, representing the U.S. Ambassador to Australia, joined Rockwell Collins executives on Friday to celebrate the expansion of the company’s Sydney facility where F-35 Lightning II Distributed Aperture System (DAS) optical assemblies will be manufactured.

In 2014, Rockwell Collins signed a long-term agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation to produce optical assemblies in Australia for the DAS on the Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft. 

“With the support and investment of the Commonwealth of Australia, we’re proud to be able to produce this vital assembly in Australia while showcasing Rockwell Collins Australia’s precision manufacturing capability for optics,” said Phil Jasper, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Government Systems, for Rockwell Collins. “Having access to new state-of-the-art manufacturing capability located in Australia is a great example of the truly international nature of the F-35 program.”

Industry: Rockwell Collins, Zen Technologies to combine simulation and training forces in India

Companies will work together to provide Indian military simulation and training solutions

NEW DELHI, India (Oct. 7, 2014) - Rockwell Collins and Zen Technologies announced today that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine their strengths in simulation and training to offer industry-leading, high fidelity solutions to Indian military customers.

Rockwell Collins, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with facilities in Hyderabad and near New Delhi, provides world-class aviation simulation and training products, systems and integration solutions. Zen Technologies, based in Hyderabad, India, specializes in supplying industry-leading ground military simulation and training solutions.

“Our relationship with Zen Technologies will open up avenues to further extend our reach in the Indian defense market, and allows Rockwell Collins to offer superior end-to-end solutions that militaries utilize throughout the world,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager, Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Combining the strengths of our two companies will provide Indian military customers with air and ground solutions that will better prepare their soldiers and airmen to successfully complete missions.”

Industry: Rockwell Collins unveils enhanced Patrol Persistent Surveillance System

Integrates new sensor data for constant monitoring of threats against military bases, forward observation posts and other secure facilities

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Sept. 24, 2014) – Rockwell Collins today announced important enhancements to its Patrol Persistent Surveillance System (PPSS) in response to the rapidly evolving requirements of its customers. At the Land Forces 2014 trade show in Brisbane, Australia, the company unveiled the new features, which include the integration of sensor data from the Aeryon SkyRanger™ small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) and the SpotterRF Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR).

Battle-proven by defence forces in the harshest of environments, PPSS combines sound, vibration and imaging sensors for enhanced situational awareness and the constant monitoring of threats against military bases, forward observation posts and other secure facilities. The PPSS network automatically recognizes new sensors “on the fly,” so there is no need for the operator to manually reconfigure the system.

Rockwell Collins at Land Forces 2014 (Australia)

Perimeter security, augmented reality and security for smart phones on display

BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia (Sept. 23, 2014) – Rockwell Collins, provider of FireStorm™ precision targeting systems to the Australian Defence Force, will showcase several new products, including facility perimeter security, an augmented reality headset, and security for military smart phones, at the Land Forces 2014 show in Brisbane, Australia, from Sept. 22-25, 2014. 

Attendees are invited to stop by Stand 1K9 to see why Rockwell Collins is an industry leader in providing tailored solutions that provide the right information at the right time, enabling defence customers to make critical decisions. 

Industry: Rockwell Collins to manufacture F-35 optical assemblies in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia (April 2, 2014) – Rockwell Collins has entered into a long-term agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) to expand manufacturing of the optical assemblies for the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) on the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 aircraft. Rockwell Collins is qualifying its facility in Melbourne, Australia, to produce these assemblies. This is in addition to manufacturing that is already occurring at the company’s facility in Carlsbad, Calif.

 “With the support and investment of the Commonwealth of Australia, we’re proud to be on the path to be manufacturing 40 percent of this vital assembly in Australia,” said Nick Gibbs, managing director of Australia, for Rockwell Collins. “Our employees are very excited to be part of the F-35 supply chain with our new state-of-the-art precision optics manufacturing capability.”

The establishment of this capability is a significant achievement for Rockwell Collins in Australia and Australian industry. The contracted activity represents a challenging manufacturing task in support of the F-35 program and positions the company's Melbourne facility for future electro-optical production and sustainment programs.

The DAS is a multifunction infrared system that provides passive, spherical battlespace awareness for F-35 pilots by simultaneously detecting and tracking aircraft and missiles in every direction, as well as providing visual imagery for day/night navigation and targeting purposes. DAS imagery projected onto the pilot's helmet-mounted display provides the capability to look at targets and terrain through the floor and wings of the aircraft. The DAS works in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and other onboard systems to give pilots an unprecedented degree of situational awareness.

Rockwell Collins

Industry: Rockwell Collins awarded L-3 Mission Integration Republic of Korea Navy avionics contract

A US Navy P-3C Orion (Image: Wiki Commons)

SINGAPORE (Feb. 11, 2014) – Rockwell Collins’ Flight2™ avionics were selected by subcontractor L-3 Mission Integration for the P-3C upgrade contract for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). Korean Air serves as the prime contractor.

Rockwell Collins’ Flight2 avionics will be installed on eight ROKN P-3C aircraft as part of the Lot I upgrade contract awarded by L-3. After completion of the upgrade, the aircraft will have a configuration common with the other eight P-3CK aircraft upgraded under the Korea Lot II Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program.

Industry: Rockwell Collins to provide 721S radio for Indian Air Force advanced telemetry system

NEW DELHI (Feb. 6, 2014) - Rockwell Collins’ new 721S Fixed Site Ground radio has been selected by India-based Park Controls & Communications (P) Ltd. as an integral part of an advanced telemetry system for the Indian Air Force. This is the first selection of the 721S radio for the Indian military.

“In addition to being the preferred replacement radio for 17,000 fielded GRC-171 UHF air traffic control radios, the flexibility of the software designed, IP-based 721S lends itself to seamless integration in a multitude of applications,” said Ram Prasad, managing director for Rockwell Collins India. “We’re proud of the new relationship we’ve established with Park Controls & Communications (P) Ltd., and look forward to working together on this important program for the Indian Air Force.”

The highly reliable, long-range 721S radio is fully interoperable with the legacy radios in use by military forces and offers remote control features for “lights out” operation, reducing manpower needs. The radio also features Rockwell Collins’ patented Clarity™ technology, which eliminates background noise in both transmit and receive modes. It is also configurable to operate efficiently in any co-site environment through the use of internal tracking filters.

Rockwell Collins

Industry: Rockwell Collins successfully delivers and supports installation of new fixed site V/UHF radios for United States Air Force in the Republic of Korea

SEOUL (Oct. 29, 2013) – Rockwell Collins has successfully completed the delivery and installation support of the company’s new 721S Fixed Site Ground V/UHF Radios providing  advanced networked ground communications in this region of the world. Through a contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force 621st Air Control Squadron, Rockwell Collins provided multiple next generation radio systems, including ancillary equipment and training. The radios are located at various sites throughout the Republic of South Korea and are part of an integrated communications upgrade recently initiated by the U.S. Air Force.

The 721S radio, a drop-in, software-defined radio replacement for the legacy Rockwell Collins AN/GRC-171 communications system, requires only five minutes to install, weighs 60 percent less than its predecessor and offers updated technology.  It is fully interoperable with legacy radios in use by coalition forces and includes a new remote control feature that allows customers to upgrade their installations for "lights out" operation, reducing manpower needs.  The radio also features Rockwell Collins’ patented Clarity™ technology, which eliminates background noise in both transmit and receive modes and provides four times the communications coverage compared to legacy radios.

The U.S. Air Force is the first customer in the region to receive the new 721S radio.

Rockwell Collins

Industry: Korea Aerospace Industries selects Rockwell Collins HF-9000 radio system for the South Korea Marine Helicopter

SEOUL (Oct. 29, 2013) – The Rockwell Collins HF-9000 high-frequency radio system has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries for the Republic of Korea Marine Helicopter program. The system will be used for voice communication, primarily during Navy amphibious missions. 

“This contract marks the first time that a Republic of Korea helicopter program will feature the advanced technology of the HF-9000,” said Rich Eisenhart, vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific, Rockwell Collins. “Rockwell Collins has established a reputation as a worldwide leader in airborne communications over the past 75 years and we look forward to providing the system’s high levels of reliability and advanced capabilities to this program.”

The HF-9000 high-frequency radio system is designed for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Its antenna coupler offers full operational capability at extreme altitudes and temperatures, while maximizing the radiated high-frequency signal power. The system stores 50 manually tuned frequencies and can learn and store tuning data for 99 preset channels.

The initial contract is comprised of two hardware ship sets, on-site training, and documentation.  Follow-on production orders are anticipated in 2016.

Rockwell Collins

Industry: Rockwell Collins selected by Australian Army to provide 'eyes and ears' for soldiers

Patrol Persistent Surveillance System combines sound, vibration and imaging sensors for enhanced situational awareness

SYDNEY, Australia (Sept. 23, 2013) – The constant monitoring of threats against military bases, forward observation posts and other secure facilities can be time-intensive and dangerous. To solve this problem for the Australian Defence Forces, Rockwell Collins developed and recently delivered the Patrol Persistent Surveillance System (PPSS).

“This system has provided the eyes and ears for Australian Defence Forces operating in potentially hazardous regions where information is critical to mission success,” said Colin Mahoney, senior vice president of International & Service Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Our ability to develop and deliver this system in a short period was very much appreciated by our customer.”

PPSS is made up of a meshed network of unattended ground sensors and video cameras that monitor movement, sound and vibration. Alarms from the system are relayed to an operator console and are displayed on a digital map system.

In fact, the program has been so successful to date that the combined project team was recently recognized by the Australian Institute of Project Management for Excellence in Project Management.

Rockwell Collins